Usually this conversation also involves a lot of hand gestures and arm movements. And furrowed brows all around. But that’s just how it is with the Sphere, it’s hard to explain. Seeing is believing.

Almost like an astronaut. Almost.

The technology and exhibit called “Science On a Sphere” has an acronym that’s hard to forget: “SOS”. And, honestly, that makes perfect sense, considering that NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) invented it. And it all started with a weather balloon. This Wiki site offers a great background summary.

While SOS was originally created to show scientific data sets of the Earth in their inherently spherical nature, it has morphed into a spectacular teaching tool and an unforgettable cinematic experience.

SOS can be used in many ways, from a stand alone exhibit to a docent-lead discussion tool to a truly three-dimensional movie screen. Check out a sample of the films that our team has been integral in creating on our Portfolio page.

When making spherical films, I find that props are a good way to get your head around the endless challenges of creating a seamless experience. At least that’s my excuse for the growing sphere collection in my studio. This is one of my favorite hand-held spherical sculptures, a glass globe by Josh Simpson.

Vicky holding the world in her hands. Well, actually, it’s a glass globe by Josh Simpson. Image Credit: Michael Starobin

And that leads me to the big news for this week! Check out our latest work in the new spherical film for NASA, called Water Falls, which premieres January 25, 2014 at The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, NY. Water Falls is all about Earth’s most vital and precious resource and the new NASA mission that will be studying it – from space!

WATER FALLS. A new movie for Science On a Sphere promoting the launch of the Global Precipitation Measurement satellite mission by NASA..WATER FALLS Videographer Victoria Weeks in the field

If you’ve seen one of these in action, you’ll know it’s worth the visit to the closest one you can find. If not, I urge you to check it out. It’s seriously cool.

1/27/14 UPDATE: The event at the Wild Center on Saturday was a smash! We had a packed room and lots of great discussions before and after each showing. Here’s a pic – and this one really shows off how engaging the sphere can be!

Water Falls world premier event at the Wild Center on January 25, 2014. Image Credit: Rick Godin